Canned cat food can go bad, especially if not stored properly. Unopened cans have a long shelf life, typically lasting for years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, however, the food should be refrigerated and used within a few days to ensure it remains fresh and safe for your cat.
Signs that Show Canned Cat Food has Gone Bad
Change in Color or Texture
Fresh canned cat food has a consistent color and texture. When it goes bad, you might notice discoloration or a change in the texture, such as it becoming overly dry, mushy, or slimy. These changes can indicate bacterial growth or oxidation, which occurs when the food is exposed to air for too long. Such alterations not only affect the food’s appearance but could also be harmful if ingested by your cat.
Unpleasant Odor
Good quality canned cat food typically has a mild, meaty smell. If the food has gone bad, it will emit a foul or rancid odor. This is one of the most noticeable signs and is caused by bacterial growth or spoilage. A bad smell is a clear indicator that the food is unsafe for consumption, and it’s best to discard it immediately to avoid health risks to your pet.
Mold or Fungal Growth
The presence of visible mold or fungus on the surface of the food is a clear sign of spoilage. Mold can appear as fuzzy spots in various colors like white, green, or black. Consuming moldy food can be dangerous for cats, leading to gastrointestinal upset or more serious health issues. If you spot any mold, it’s crucial to dispose of the food immediately and clean the container thoroughly.
Swollen or Leaking Can
If a canned food container appears swollen, bulging, or is leaking, it’s a sign of gas production from bacteria inside, indicating spoilage. This can happen due to improper storage or a compromised can. Consuming food from such a can could harm your cat’s health. Always inspect the integrity of the can before feeding its contents to your cat.
Tips to Store Canned Cat Food
Unopened Canned Cat Food
- Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can affect the food’s nutritional value and taste.
- Store cans upright to maintain the seal’s integrity and prevent leakage.
- Regularly check and adhere to expiry dates, using older cans first to prevent wastage.
Opened Canned Cat Food
- Refrigerate immediately after opening, ideally in an airtight container, to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use the refrigerated food within 3-5 days to ensure freshness and safety.
- If not using the entire can at once, cover it tightly or transfer the contents to an airtight container before refrigerating.
Does Canned Cat Food go bad in Heat?
Unopened: High temperatures can cause the degradation of nutrients and potentially spoil unopened canned cat food, compromising its safety and quality.
Opened: Once opened, canned cat food can quickly spoil in hot conditions, as heat accelerates bacterial growth, making it unsafe for consumption.
How long can Canned Food Sit out?
Covered: Covered canned cat food can sit out for about 4 hours, as the cover helps slow down the growth of bacteria. However, it’s still advisable to refrigerate any unused portion as soon as possible to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
Uncovered: Uncovered canned cat food should not be left out for more than 2 hours. Exposure to air accelerates bacterial growth and contamination, especially in warm environments.
Mixed with Dry Food: When canned food is mixed with dry food, it should be consumed within an hour or two. The moisture from the canned food can cause the dry food to spoil faster and can also lead to bacterial growth if left out for too long.
Drawbacks of Feeding Expired Canned Food to Cats
Risk of Foodborne Illness
Expired canned cat food can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. When consumed, these bacteria can cause food poisoning in cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. This not only causes discomfort to the cat but can also lead to more serious health complications.
Nutritional Deficiency
Over time, the nutrients in canned cat food degrade. Feeding expired food can result in a lack of essential nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies. This is especially harmful for cats with specific dietary needs, as they rely on the balanced nutrition provided by their food for overall health and well-being.
Chemical Changes and Toxin Formation
The breakdown of fats and other ingredients in expired canned food can lead to the formation of harmful toxins. These chemical changes can result in food that is not only less palatable but potentially toxic, posing a risk to your cat’s health.
Reduced Palatability and Digestibility
Expired food may have altered taste and texture, making it less appealing to cats. This can lead to reduced food intake, weight loss, and digestive issues. Additionally, changes in the food’s composition can make it harder for cats to digest, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry cat food go bad?
Dry cat food can go bad, especially if not stored properly. Exposure to air, moisture, or extreme temperatures can lead to spoilage, bacterial growth, or a loss of nutritional value and palatability.
Why does canned cat food go bad?
Canned cat food goes bad due to factors like bacterial contamination, exposure to air, and breakdown of nutrients over time. Once opened, the moist environment in canned food is conducive to rapid bacterial growth if not refrigerated.
Can I freeze canned cat food?
Freezing canned cat food is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture and taste of the food, making it less appealing to cats. Additionally, the thawing process can promote bacterial growth if not done correctly.